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Film Language:Editing
Most films use a system of editing known as Continuity editing. It’s
sole aim is to get the story moving along and get the audience
completelyimmersed inthe plot and characters.
In drama sequences,the purpose of editing is often:
 Get to know the character
 Intensification
 Conflict
The function of this system is to make the drama as fluid as possible,
so that the audience are not aware of the construction process
therefore,you need to be especiallyaware to spotthe techniques of
editing employed during a textual analysis. Rememberalso that
sometimessound is used to ‘bridge’the cut and make it less
noticeable on screen.
The process of editing is more concerned with the ‘creation’ of
meaning rather than the taking away of material.
Editing Pace:
The editing pace is the frequencyof jump-cuts in a small amount of
time, to show us the intenseness of a scene. It gives us a general
feeling of what the movie is going to be and can determine the genre
of it. Action scenes usually have a very fast editing pace.
Editing often works through the ___________________of different
shots to create meaning.
There are a huge number of editing techniques which filmmakers can
employ.
The most commonof these is the cut.
The cut is a: It works through the juxtaposition of differentshots to
create meaning. This is a very important editing technique. It gives us
a start, a middle,and the end (narrative). There is always a meaning
in every cut no matter how fast or slow it is.

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Always ask yourself why a cut has occurred – there is always a
reason.
Match on action: Differentcuts that match every shot and gives
continuity.
Jump cut: An abrupt switch from one scene to another. Usually to
move to differenttime periods.
Cross-cut
A cut from one narrative or line of action to another. Mostly used in
films to establish action occurring at the same time in two different
locations.
SOUND BRIDGES MAY BE USED TO TRANSITIONFROM ONE
SCENE TO ANOTHER
Cutaway:Whenthe shot ‘cuts away’ to often a reaction shot of
another character.
Reaction shot: When a character reacts to a scene. Usually to guide
the audience to maybe do the same or have the same sort of
reaction.
Matched Cutor Graphic Cut
Is a cut between either two differentobjects,two differentspaces,or
two differentcompositions in which an objectin the two shots
graphically match, oftenhelping to establish strong relationship
between two scenes.
Other forms of transition are also possible:
Fade: Basic fade I know this is.
Dissolve
A slow transition as one image merges into another.
Both are used to suggest: Thanos killing half the universe. (Another
way of cutting).
Wipe

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An optical effectin which one shot ‘wipes’ another off the screen for
dramatic effect.
Superimposition: When2 or more images are placed on top of each
other.
Montage:A series of shots that are all connected and add further
meaning and/or reinforce the meaning. It controls emotions through
collections.
Slow-motion:Slows stuffs down, It adds dramatic effectand
seriousness.
Long take: A long time until a cut. Creates an effect.
Split screen
Division of screen in order to show two or more lines of action
simultaneously – this can be referred to as parallelaction.
Effects are also added as part of the editing process – eg; slow
motion or fast motion.